A/N: Molly's last name in this story will remain Hattingfield because when I started this story I didn't know her last name was Prewett. Sorry!
Chapter 13- Graduation
Kingsley was bouncing around in the Gryffindor common room humming the Hogwarts' Graduation Theme.
"…and off they go to the wizard world…off they go! Ooooh! How Hogwarts' students have come so far, and off they go to the wizard---"
"Kingsley, will you shut up?" Emmeline asked, crossed. She was packing the last of her belongings in a trunk, but couldn't find her copy of The Standard Book of Spells Grade 7.
Frank suddenly burst into the room, "I got it!"
The rest all looked up with interest.
"What is it?" Alice asked.
"I got accepted by the Ministry to train to be an Auror! My scores are all good and they're going to assign me a trainer and then I'll take the test in a few months!"
"Hurrah!" Kingsley cheered. "I should get my letter any day now about that too."
"You'll get it Kingsley," Emmeline said, encouragingly.
They all gave three cheers for Frank.
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"And it is with my great pleasure to present to you, the graduating class of 1965!" Dumbledore finished to a tremendous applause. The Great Hall had been set up to the ceremony and proud parents were taking pictures everywhere.
Molly hugged Arthur. "I can't believe we finished!" she exclaimed.
"How is my little Molly?" a deep voice came over.
"Dad!" Molly greeted, surprised. "Er…this is Arthur."
She dragged the nervous Arthur over.
"H-hello," Arthur said, then added, "Sir."
"Good evening," Mr. Hattingfield greeted politely. "Molly, I would like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Connerly and their son David. They have invited us over to dinner tonight to celebrate your achievement."
Molly shook hands with them. Mr. Hattingfield led Molly away (rather quickly) with the Connerlys.
Arthur remained there, transfixed. A minute later, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came over to their son with Percy Weasley.
"Hello, Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley beamed and kissed him.
"Hello, Mum." Arthur greeted.
"Hey, little bro," Percy grinned as he shook his brother's hand. "Good going!"
"Where's this Molly?" Mr. Weasley asked curiously.
"Yes, we've been expecting her for dinner after we get back!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed.
"Er…I think she may have plans with her own family already." Arthur replied, trying to keep his voice casual.
"Oh, I see." His mother answered cheerfully. "Well, I suppose they are very happy for their daughter. We'll have her over some other time then!"
Arthur stole a quick glance over his shoulder and saw Molly leaving with her parents and the Connerlys. She was looking at him and mouthed, "I'm sorry."
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Arthur's first week of summer wasn't too eventful. Kingsley came over often to play quiddich, but Arthur hadn't heard from Molly at all. He sent her an owl everyday. At first, he was casual in asking her about her summer and if she would like to get together. After seven owls sent with no reply, Arthur began to feel extremely gloomy.
Many miles away, a fight erupted in the Hattingfield manor.
"I forbid you to communicate with that Weasley boy!" Mr. Hattingfield shouted.
"You don't understand! Arthur and I are not just friends and this is not just a fling!" Molly screamed.
"I'm telling you, Molly. You are my only daughter and I refuse to let you settle for such low standards!" Mr. Hattingfield stormed out of the room, slamming the door. A minute later, Molly heard a crack! and knew he had Disapparated somewhere else.
Mrs. Hattingfield came into Molly's room.
"Now, dear." Mrs. Hattingfield said softly. "Wipe away those tears. You must know that your father means well."
"I-I just want to be with Arthur."
Mrs. Hattingfield nodded and kissed Molly on top of her head. She sighed.
"You know that your hormones can be tricky, Molly."
"You don't understand!" Molly flung back. "Arthur and I want to get married!"
Mrs. Hattingfield looked shocked and then replied sharply, "Now, Molly. You must realize that your relationships have to be serious. You have to look out for your future and your family. How is Arthur going to provide for you? I encourage you to end your relationship with him immediately before you hurt his feelings."
"But mother----!"
"Molly!" Mrs. Hattingfield interrupted. "Do you really think the two of you will be happy if you cannot even support yourselves?" Then she lowered her voice. "Molly Hattingfield, your father and I are both serious when we say for you to end it right now. You don't know how serious we are, Molly. Arthur Weasley is not the boy for you and I think, deep down, you know it."